Yarrowkabra reign supreme in Janet Jagan Memorial Windball

Yarrowkabra are the national queens of windball cricket, triumphing in the inaugural Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS)/National Sports Commission (NSC)-sponsored Janet Jagan Memorial Secondary Schools Championship.
Staged at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in front of a sizable gathering which comprised students from Bartica, Essequibo, and Berbice, Yarrowkabra defeated Parika Salem by 10 wickets to conclude the event, which was organised by veteran Sports Officer Alistair Munroe.

Batting first after losing the toss, Parika Salem, led by an unbeaten innings of 70 by Navita Calistro, which was highlighted by six maximums, amassed an imposing 127-2 from their five-over allocation. Providing support with 12 and 11 runs respectively, were Bindya Sewsankar and Reshana Blake.
In reply, Yarrowkabra successfully overhauled the target, ending on 131-0 in 4.1 overs. Vianney Jaundoo, who was eventually adjudged the Player of the Tournament, smashed 80 runs (10x6s) while support was provided by Susan Patterson, who scored 32 runs (5x6s).
Yarrowkabra’s place in the final was sealed following comprehensive victories over Lower Corentyne and Three Miles earlier in the day’s proceedings.
In their first match, Yarrowkabra defeated Lower Corentyne by 10 wickets. Set a target of 68 after Lower Corentyne tallied 67-2 led by an unbeaten score of 42 (7x6s) from Danielle Manns, Yarrowkabra stormed to 68-0 in three overs.
Jaundoo led from the front with 36 runs while Patterson provided the perfect foil with 18.
In their second fixture, Yarrowkabra crushed Three Miles by 59 runs. Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Yarrowkabra amassed a mammoth 162-0 following the expiration of their allotment.
Patterson assaulted the Three Miles bowling line-up with 102 from a mere 17 balls. The innings contained 17 maximums, while Jaundoo played a supporting role with an equally brutal 60 runs (8x6s).
In reply, the Three Miles unit, which eventually was awarded the Spirit of the Game accolade, was restricted to 103-0. Latifa Cornette and Nickesha Persaud scored 54 and 39 runs, respectively.
Meanwhile, beaten finalist Parika Salem defeated Abram Zuil by 10 wickets in their first match.
Batting first, Abram Zuil registered a total of 68-3 at the end of their allocation. Deeroya Morris top-scored with 35 runs (5x6s). In response, Parika Salem raced to 71-0, with Calistro smashing her way to 41 runs while Blake contributed 17.
Prior to the start of proceedings, former national cricketer Steven Jacobs lauded Sports Officer Munroe for his continued commitment to the development of the sport, noting that the experienced administrator has played a significant role in his career, which started at the tender age of 11 following his participation in the tournament.
According to Jacobs, Munroe has been instrumental in the cricketing journey of many players, both male and female, with Treymaine Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle being notable examples of his contribution to the women’s component.
“In closing, use this windball cricket to make lifelong friends. And whenever you speak to most of the national players, both girls and boys, they have a great story to tell you about windball cricket,” he proclaimed while also praising the MCYS and the NSC for sponsoring this programme, which will produce the next generation of female cricketers.
Meanwhile, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, in his closing remarks, stated that he was a member of a team “that ensures we commit, we do, and we achieve what the Government has set out for us to accomplish. Mr Munroe has been a tower of support in order for this to come off. You are all winners. Without you, the players, this could not have happened. Thank you very much, and to the organisers, a job well done.”
Special thanks were expressed to the management and staff of Albion and Rose Hall Estates, Port Mourant CC, Whim CC, Dogg Point CG, Zorg CG, Parika Salem CC, CJIA Airport, and Berbice High School for allowing the utilisation of the respective playing venues.
Plaudits were also given to Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow Richardson, who was also in attendance; the Director of Youth; the tournament officials, the NSC team and, most importantly, the schools and students for making this event an overwhelming success.